Psalm 37: 7-9

I haven't posted lately because I've been waiting to be led to a topic. Tonight I opened up my devotional book Magnetic to where I last left off. Patience. The thing I love about this book is how broad its interpretation for each fruit of the spirit is. This chapter wasn't just about waiting but how to demonstrate patience to others, yourself, and God. It's so relevant to girls my age.
I was getting close to finishing up the segment on patience and it led me to Psalm 37. I encourage you to read the whole chapter because it focuses on waiting on God's timing. My book was mainly centered around verses one through nine. I read those nine verses several times. Seven through nine really pulled at my heart.

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him, do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret- it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land."

So many times when I feel like I'm treated unfairly, I get angry and try to take things into my own hands. I feel sorry for myself. I throw myself a pity party. Then I begin to build up anger, envy, and hatred. A lot of the times people that are doing wrong are continuously getting away with it. This frustrates me more. How can others get away with doing so much wrong and treating others so unfairly?

 First off, I'm not their judge- God is. I have no place to be mad about others' sins. I should only be worried about being the best me I can be and God's plan for me.

Here's what Psalm 37: 7-9 showed me tonight:

1. Be still, wait, and don't fret. It tells us to be still and wait on the Lord. So many times we panic and try to fix things ourselves instead of resting in God's presence waiting for the plan He has. If we wait, He has a better solution. That requires us to be still. Sit and ask God for guidance in unfair situations and pray to react in a Christ-like way.

2. Don't worry about those doing wrong. Like I said, we are not the judge. Sometimes it's so hard not to get frustrated because we think it's unfair and no one is ever going to see their true colors. But God promises in verse 9 that they "will be destroyed". Of course it may not be as soon as we want, but we must trust in this promise and wait on His timing. We can't get caught up on those who are going unpunished.

3. Don't repay evil with evil. Verse 8 says "refrain from anger and turn from wrath. . .it leads only to evil". Most of the time when we take things into our own hands, it's not out of brotherly love but out of anger and envy. Just because someone has done us wrong doesn't mean we have the right to hate them and react in anger. We are stooping the same level as them. That is not who Christ has called us to be. He wants to see us turn the other cheek, react in love and forgiveness, and flee from evil. Yes it is hard, but when we do this we are waiting on God's timing. Verse 9 also holds another promise. "Those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land." What a beautiful, reassuring promise!

 

God will deliver us if we just wait on Him. He has so many great things in store for us but we can't get impatient when we are treated unfairly and try to fix the situation ourselves. It's so hard to let things go sometimes, but it takes surrendering our will to God's will and trusting He will take care of it. "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." Trust in God's perfect promise!

 

Please take the time to read Psalm 37. I hope it blesses you like it blessed me!